Labor confirms 'increased contribution' to allies striking against Houthi rebels

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has confirmed the ADF personnel being deployed to the Red Sea region are an “increased contribution” to US and UK headquarters operating strikes against Houthi rebels. “It is another six people that will be going into that headquarters,” Mr Marles told Sky News Australia. “But it is an important contribution to this mission, which is ultimately about protecting international shipping. “As an island trading nation, we are deeply invested in the rules of the sea. “Freedom of navigation is utterly essential to our way of life, and that is what is being disrupted by the Houthis in the Red Sea.”